What is septorhinoplasty?: Surgery, recovery and cost in the UK

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Septorhinoplasty is a procedure that improves both the appearance of the nose and the way it functions. By combining rhinoplasty with septoplasty, it can reshape the nose while correcting a deviated septum or other structural problems affecting breathing. 

For patients who are unhappy with the appearance of their nose and also struggle to breathe through it, it offers a way to address both concerns at once. 

This guide explains what the surgery involves, how it differs from a standard nose job, what recovery looks like and what it costs in the UK. At 101 Harley Street, septorhinoplasty is planned around each patient’s individual anatomy and goals, balancing function and aesthetics rather than prioritising one over the other.

What is septorhinoplasty?

Septorhinoplasty is a combined nose operation that corrects a deviated or damaged septum – the wall of cartilage and bone that divides the nostrils – while reshaping the external appearance of the nose. It merges two procedures into one operation under a single anaesthetic and one recovery period:

  • A septoplasty (which improves breathing) 
  • And a rhinoplasty (which changes shape) 

Because it treats both form and function, septorhinoplasty suits patients whose concerns are more than skin deep: a crooked nose following injury, a dorsal hump alongside a blocked airway, or long-standing nasal obstruction caused by a deviated septum in someone who would also like a more balanced profile. 

The surgery is carried out under general anaesthetic, with incisions made inside the nostrils and, in some cases, a small hidden incision across the strip of skin between them. The surgeon straightens the septum to open the airway, then adjusts the bone and cartilage of the framework to achieve a natural, proportionate result.

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Septorhinoplasty vs rhinoplasty: What’s the difference?

The simplest way to understand septorhinoplasty is to compare it with the two procedures it draws on. A rhinoplasty changes the external shape of the nose and is usually cosmetic. A septoplasty straightens the internal septum to improve airflow and does not alter appearance. A septorhinoplasty does both in one procedure.

Differences

ProcedureMain goal What it changes Typical reason

Rhinoplasty

Aesthetic

External shape – bridge, tip, width and profile

Dissatisfaction with the nose's appearance

Septoplasty

Functional

Internal septum only (no change to the nose's appearance)

Blocked breathing caused by a deviated septum

Septorhinoplasty

Functional and aesthetic

Both the internal septum and the external shape of the nose

Breathing difficulties and a cosmetic concern

For many patients, the deciding factor is whether breathing is affected. If it is, correcting the septum at the same time as reshaping avoids a second operation later. Your surgeon will confirm the right scope at consultation.
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Open vs closed septorhinoplasty: which should you choose?

Like a standard nose job, septorhinoplasty can be performed using an open or a closed approach. The closed technique uses incisions inside the nostrils only, while the open technique adds a small incision across the columella to give the surgeon fuller visibility for more complex work. Neither is inherently better – the choice depends on your anatomy and the extent of change required. We cover this decision in detail in our guide to open vs closed rhinoplasty, and will walk you through the best choice for you at your consultation.

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What does septorhinoplasty surgery involve?

Septorhinoplasty is a planned surgical procedure performed under general anaesthetic. Most operations take between one and a half and three hours, depending on complexity and whether an open or closed approach is used. Many patients are treated as a day case, while more involved cases may include an overnight stay.

During surgery, the septum is repositioned to clear the airway, and the underlying bone and cartilage are reshaped to refine the external appearance. Soft internal splints may also be used to support the septum during the early stages of healing. These are removed at your first follow-up. Because the operation addresses both function and form, careful planning is essential – which is why a thorough consultation, and sometimes nasal imaging, comes first. At 101 Harley Street, this assessment is central to designing a result that improves breathing while looking natural and balanced.

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A typical septorhinoplasty recovery timeline

Timeline

Recovery stage What to expect

Week 1

Swelling and bruising peak. A splint is worn and breathing may feel blocked because of internal swelling.

Weeks 2–4

Most patients return to work. Bruising settles and breathing gradually improves.

Months 2–12

Swelling continues to reduce, with the final shape becoming more refined over time.

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How much does septorhinoplasty cost?: NHS vs private in the UK

Private septorhinoplasty in the UK typically starts from around £5,000 and can reach £10,000 or more, with London clinics generally at the higher end of the range. The final figure depends on the complexity of your case, the surgeon’s experience, the technique used, anaesthetist and theatre fees, and whether any revision or reconstructive work is involved. 

A reputable clinic should provide a clear, all-inclusive written quote covering the surgery, anaesthetic, hospital charges and follow-up appointments. Because every nose is different, the cost is confirmed at consultation once your anatomy and goals have been assessed.

Septorhinoplasty may be available on the NHS, but only where there is a genuine medical need – most commonly a deviated septum causing significant breathing difficulty, or a deformity following trauma. Purely cosmetic reshaping is not NHS-funded. Access requires a GP referral to an ENT specialist, criteria are strict, and waiting times can extend to many months. Patients seeking shorter waiting times or wishing to combine functional and cosmetic treatment often choose to have septorhinoplasty performed privately.

Book a septorhinoplasty consultation in London

Whether your priority is breathing more comfortably, improving the appearance of your nose or addressing both concerns together, septorhinoplasty can provide a long-term solution tailored to your individual anatomy. 

During your consultation, your surgeon will assess your nasal structure, discuss your goals and recommend the most appropriate treatment plan, helping you understand what results you can realistically expect.

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Frequently Asked Questions: Septorhinoplasty

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Is septorhinoplasty a major surgery?

Yes. Septorhinoplasty is a significant surgical procedure performed under general anaesthetic, usually taking one and a half to three hours. It is more involved than a septoplasty alone because it treats both breathing and appearance. That said, it is a routine, well-established procedure in experienced hands, and most patients go home the same day or after one night.

Can you get septorhinoplasty on the NHS?

The NHS may fund nasal surgery where there is a genuine medical need, such as a deviated septum causing significant breathing problems or a deformity after injury. Purely cosmetic reshaping is not funded. You would need a GP referral to an ENT specialist, criteria are strict, and waiting times can run to many months.

What is the difference between rhinoplasty and septorhinoplasty?

A rhinoplasty reshapes the external appearance of the nose and is usually cosmetic. A septorhinoplasty does the same aesthetic work but also straightens the internal septum to improve breathing. In short, rhinoplasty changes how the nose looks, while septorhinoplasty changes how it looks and how it works.

How long does septorhinoplasty take to heal?

The splint is usually removed after about a week, and most people return to work within one to two weeks. Visible bruising and swelling settle over two to three weeks, but the nose continues to refine gradually. The final, fully settled result can take up to twelve months to appear.

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Our surgery is located on Harley Street in Marylebone, London, within one of the world’s most prestigious and historic medical districts. Situated at 101 Harley Street, the clinic offers a discreet and refined setting in the heart of Central London, bringing together leading consultants, advanced facilities and personalised care.

We welcome patients from across the world, as well as patients travelling to London from across the UK and internationally for specialist medical, surgical and aesthetic treatments.

Our location benefits from excellent transport connections. Regent’s Park, Oxford Circus and Baker Street Underground stations are all within easy walking distance, while major London rail stations and international airports  including Heathrow, Gatwick and London City provide convenient access for national and international visitors.

Whether you are travelling from within London or further afield, our Harley Street clinic provides a calm, professional environment designed to deliver exceptional care in one of the capital’s most respected medical locations.

 

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